Maths enrolments in Victoria are recovering from a post-pandemic slump, but a concerning trend persists: fewer girls are returning to maths subjects compared to boys. This disparity is particularly evident in general maths, where the number of girls has decreased since 2021, despite efforts to boost female participation in maths-based careers. The situation is even more alarming when considering the historical dominance of girls in VCE science subjects like biology and psychology. Experts, such as Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute director Tim Marchant, warn that this gender gap may extend beyond maths to other subjects, hindering gender equality in maths-focused jobs. The pandemic's impact on online learning is suspected to have contributed to the initial decline in maths enrolments, but the recovery is uneven, with boys outperforming girls in terms of enrolment numbers. This raises questions about the underlying reasons for the gender disparity in maths, including the lack of female role models, confidence in mathematics, and societal expectations. Interestingly, girls are outperforming boys in foundation maths, a new subject designed to enhance everyday numeracy skills, indicating that efforts to encourage female participation in maths may be paying off in some areas. However, the overall trend remains concerning, and it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to the gender gap in maths to ensure a more equitable future for all students.
